Bill Evans

Collectables packages two late period Bill Evans records for Warner Brothers together in this double-disc set. New Conversations was Evans third solo recording of him playing with overdubbed recordings of himself playing other keyboards. It might be of interest to hardcore Evans fans, but for the general listener there is little to be able to actually focus on. The latter album, We Will Meet Again, find the pianist and his rhythm section drummer Joe La Barbera and bassist Marc Johnson -- in the company of trumpeter Tom Harrell and saxophonist/flutist Larry Schneider. The set contains eight tunes, seven of them Evans originals including a beautiful reading of "Laurie." The extended "Bill's Hit Tune," is an ironic title in that it clocks in at just under 11 minutes, and features the pianist playing solo for long stretches. Harrell's solo work on "Peri's Scope" and the oh-so-brief solo on the title track that closes the album are also highlights. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide